Betty Viola Bishop

BETTY VIOLA BISHOP
May 22, 1928 ˜ March 25, 2023

Betty V. Bishop had a peaceful transition to heaven on March 25, 2023 at 94 years of age. She was born in Glendive, MT, on May 22, 1928 to William and Vola Trulock. Betty outlived her two younger siblings, Marjorie Hewitt and Bill Trulock, Jr.
Betty was about 12 when the family moved to Vancouver. She graduated from Union (now Evergreen) High School. While in high school she met Vance Bishop, the love of her life. Together they enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, reading and socializing. Vance loved that Betty was a very good cook. They married in 1952 and were together 59 years until Vance passed away in 2011. Their relationship taught their daughters the importance to love and to be in love with your spouse.
Betty worked at the old St. Joseph Hospital at the Academy. She was the accounting department - one person doing accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll. She later used those accounting skills to set up a solid foundation for the family business. Vance had started a little “hobby” propagating rhododendrons. In 1960 Bishop Garden Center was formed. It was a busy time raising their daughters, being involved with the girls’ school activities, church activities and long hours working at the garden shop.
They retired in 1996, moved to Ocean Park, WA, and traveled to Yuma, AZ, in the winters. They permanently resettled in Vancouver in 2004 to be closer to the three girls and their families.
Betty is survived by her three daughters: Carol Gentry, Cynthia (Dennis) Hutchison, and Cheryl (Steve) Irvin; her four grandchildren: Tammi (Mike) Morris, Craig (Charlotte) Hutchison, Caitlin (Keith) Bassett, and Scott (JoAnn) Irvin; and her eight great-grandchildren: Michael, Zachery, and Brayden Morris, Riley and Alex Bassett, Delaney and Ben Irvin, and Joshua Porter. She also had a bonus granddaughter, Jolena Sinclair and bonus great granddaughter, Lola Sinclair.
She belonged to Liberty Bible Church. Her firm faith gave her joy, strength and an open heart. A celebration of life will be held at Liberty Bible Church on May 20, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. The church is located at 12401 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA.
Please consider a donation to the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits